Muʿjam al-Aḥādīth al-Muʿtabara, Qays – Ḥadīth #1

Muʿjam al-Aḥādīth al-Muʿtabara, Qays – Ḥadīth #1

[1/222] Rijal al-Kashshi: Muhammad b. Masud from Ali b. al-Hasan from Mu’ammar b. Khallad who said: Abu al-Hasan al-Ridha عليه السلام said: A man from among the companions of Ali عليه السلام called Qays was praying, after he finished the first unit a large black snake came and crawled onto the place of prostration, when he [Qays] lowered his forehead near it the snake latched onto his neck, encircled it and left slithering through his inner garment [but he did not break his prayer]! I [the Imam] was returning one day from al-Fur` [a place between Makka and Madina] when the time of prayer entered. I dismounted and proceeded near a Thumama [panic grass] shrub. When I completed a single unit a snake came near me, but I continued with my prayer and did not shorten it in any way nor did I allow any deficiencies to come into it. It came near me then returned to the shrub. Only when I had completed my prayer and followed it up by my normal supplication did I call the one who was with me and said: Keep away from the snake under the shrub. Whoever fears none except Allah then He suffices for him.

Abu Amr Muhammad b. Umar al-Kashshi said: Among the companions of the Commander of the Faithful عليه السلام there were four or more going by the name of Qays, so I do not know which one of them is meant [in this narration]. The first of the four was Qays b. Sa’d b. Ubada who was their leader and the best out of them. Then Qays b. Abbad al-Bakri who is a plausible candidate for this if it is indeed him [his conduct matches with what has been described]. Qays b. Qurra b. Habib is not a viable candidate for this because he deserted and ran away to Muawiya. Lastly, Qays b. Mihran who is also suited to be identified as the person in question. All these were companions of the Commander of the Faithful عليه السلام and I do not know which one them Abu al-Hasan al-Ridha عليه السلام had in mind.